Honouring Culture, Connection, and Care: VMHPAA Celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
- Shane Warren
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
9 August 2025
Today on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands in recognition of the rich cultures, contributions, and enduring wisdom of First Nations and Indigenous communities around the world.
This year’s global theme reinforces the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, respecting self-determination, and supporting meaningful inclusion across all sectors, including mental health. VMHPAA affirms that true wellbeing includes cultural identity, connection to land, and intergenerational healing.
“Mental health care must be grounded in cultural truth,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “Across Australia and around the world, Indigenous communities hold deep knowledge about healing, resilience, and community wellbeing. We must honour this knowledge by making space for Indigenous leadership in all models of care.”
As a national body representing vocationally trained mental health practitioners, VMHPAA recognises the critical work done at the grassroots level, often by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community workers, peer support specialists, cultural counsellors, and lived-experience practitioners.
These professionals are embedded within their communities, often walking between two worlds to bring culturally safe, trauma-informed, and accessible mental health support where it is most needed.
“Respecting Indigenous ways of knowing and being isn’t just inclusion, it’s intelligence,” said Shane Warren, VMHPAA Chair and long-time counsellor working with multicultural families. “Vocationally trained practitioners are uniquely placed to work alongside Indigenous leaders to embed cultural connection into everyday practice.”
VMHPAA calls for:
Increased recognition and funding for Indigenous-led mental health initiatives
Integration of cultural safety training across all vocational qualifications
Inclusion of First Nations voices in the national standards and workforce strategies shaping Australia’s mental health future
On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let us listen, learn, and lean in with respect, humility, and a shared commitment to community healing.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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